Kathleen P. “Kay” (Docherty) Foley, 81, a long time Holden resident passed away on Monday, January 1, 2018 surrounded by her family at the Rose Monahan Hospice Residence in Worcester.

Kay was best known for her kind, caring, gentle and humorous nature. She loved spending time with her family, friends, and grandkids.  She was born in Worcester, the daughter of James and Emily (Robinson) Docherty then married Edward J. Foley in 1957 and they formed a large loving family.   She was dedicated to education and earned her Bachelor’s degree in English from Anna Maria College in 1954. She went on to teach third grade at St. Leos School in Leominster and led countless CCD classes.  As a devout catholic, Kay’s faith meant everything to her and she was an active member of St. George’s Church in Worcester.  In her younger years she enjoyed spending time with friends during weekly card group get togethers, crafting, sewing and in later years traveling abroad and spending winters in Florida.   Above all she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, sister and friend.

Her husband of 44 years, Edward J. Foley passed away in 2002.  She is survived by her daughters, Marie Pepi of Mason, NH, Ann Foley of Holden, Kathleen Foley of Holden, Christine Bates of Jefferson, Megan Baviello and her husband, George of Auburn and Maureen Foley of Holden; her sister, Mary D. Kumpey       ; 13 grandchildren, Laura Pratt, Christine Pepi, Daniel Bjorkman, Michael and Grace Chmielewski, Emily, Jennifer and Daniel Griffin, Meghan, Daniel and Lindsey Bates, and Ava and Evan Baviello; four great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.  Kay was predeceased by her sister, Helen Docherty in 2016.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 5, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 6, at St. George’s Church, 38 Brattle St., Worcester.  Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Memorial Contributions, P.O. Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284-9168.